Join the July KAL! And Save 20% on the Simplicity Yarn!

Start off your Fourth of July with a Bang!  A knitting bang, of course!  Summer is a great time for a small project - the kind that can easily be stashed in your purse or beach bag, and isn't hot on your lap while you're working.  I'm thinking . . .  a hat!

Great minds think alike because Michelle Hunter has invited us to knit a hat along with her during the July KAL (Knit-A-Long).  

So what will the hat look like?  We don't know!  That's the fun part of a "mystery" knit-a-long.  We know that it's a two-color hat that is an adaption of one of Michelle's most popular patterns.  She is teasing us by letting us know that it is "brimming" with new techniques.  A brimmed hat, perhaps?  Hmmm.  

So who will you knit the hat for?  Yourself?  A friend?  A child?  A new baby?  It doesn't matter, because the KAL pattern is sized for baby, child and adult - so you can knit it with anyone in mind!

Simplicity in Bubble Gum (#21)

Never done a KAL?  It's easy ... Michelle will reveal the pattern on her website in four segments, every Thursday in July starting on July 3rd.  How much does it cost?  Nothing!  You don't have to register or pay any fee to participate. You may even win some cool prizes from Skacel.  Have a question?  No problem, Michelle posts photos and online video instructions, plus you can post questions on Michelle's KAL site or in her Ravelry group. Questions are typically answered daily.  It's like having a knitting tutor right by your side!

What do you need?  We've got that covered.  You'll need Simplicity yarn by HiKoo, a washable, light weight wool blend available in over 50 colors.  So which colors to choose?  Now that's the hard part!  Michelle suggests two colors with a nice contrast.  How about your favorite team colors?  (Sean's favorite colors are Forestry Green #50 and Honeycomb Yellow #5 for Green Bay ... just kidding, he's a big Chicago fan).  Or knit the Baby size in Blooming Rose Pink #22 and Bluebell Blue #24.  Or Really Red #47 and Forestry Green #50 for a Christmas surprise.  

Simplicity in Chocolate Milk (#20)

You'll need one skein of Simplicity in each color for the Baby size, and two skeins of the main color and one skein of the contrasting color for the Child or Adult size.

Bonus:  Right now all Simplicity yarn is on sale at 20% off!

You'll also need three sets of needles: US#4 (3.5 mm) straights or circulars and US#8 (5mm) 16" circulars for the pattern, plus US#8 (5mm) double points or 32" circulars (for the Magic Loop method) for the top of the hat.  The gauge with the US#4 needles is approximately 10 stitches per inch (40 sts/4”) in k1, p1 rib, unstretched. As always, adjust the needle size you need to achieve gauge ... remember to block your gauge swatch before measuring!

You'll also need a cable needle and a 3/4" button. 

Don't hesitate to call us if we can help with your yarn, needles or notion selections!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's new hats!  Send me pictures or post them in our Ravelry group!

Happy Knitting . . . .  Amy